African officials learn from Yokohama’s expertise in waste management

The City of Yokohama recently welcomed government officials from across Africa for a specialized training program on sustainable waste management. Conducted in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as part of the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP), the program shared practical knowledge developed through Yokohama’s long history of effective waste management.

Established in 2017, ACCP supports African countries in improving urban sanitation and waste management systems. Through this initiative, participants joined the training course Sustainable Solid Waste Management for African Countries, where they studied the fundamentals of municipal waste management, citizen participation in waste separation, and strategies for creating efficient collection systems.

The program included both online and in-person components. During the online sessions, participants completed e-learning coursework and exchanged ideas through web conferences. After arriving in Japan, they visited Yokohama’s waste collection offices, incineration plants, recycling facilities, and private-sector partners. They also took part in workshops focused on developing waste collection plans and analyzing challenges in their home countries.

【 Waste collection planning 】 Explaining the importance of developing collection plans, approaches to plan formulation, and key considerations during the planning process

【 Problem analysis 】 Participants analyzed challenges in their home countries by organizing them into tree diagrams with support by City staff.

A highlight of the training was the preparation of action plans. By applying lessons learned in Yokohama, participants identified key issues facing their municipalities and developed practical strategies for improvement. Many participants noted that the program helped them build essential skills, understand the importance of public awareness campaigns, and recognize the value of data-driven waste management.

Touring a collection office

Yokohama remains committed to international cooperation and knowledge sharing. By continuously updating its training programs based on participant feedback, the city aims to contribute to cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities throughout Africa.

Closing ceremony